Route Fifty
Seven Cities in a Snowy State Ban Snowballs. Now One is Poised to Reverse Course
A handful of Wisconsin cities have identically worded ordinances that ban snowball fights in public places. After going viral for their policy, officials in Wausau are ready to change it.
Workforce
Two Military Base Shootings This Week Leave Defense Civilians in 'Fear, Terror, Sadness and Grief'
At least two civilian employees were killed as others witnessed events or hid in offices.
Management
Mixing Politics and Procurement Creates a Toxic Brew
If elected officials are allowed to influence government contracting decisions it won’t end well for the public.
Defense
Analysis: Why the U.S. Military Usually Punishes Misconduct but Police Often Close Ranks
No "blue wall of silence:" A military lawyer explains why the US armed forces take accountability and justice seriously.
Management
Pentagon 'Start-up' Opens Its First Satellite Office
The Defense Digital Service gathers top talent to work on technological projects.
Tech
The Mystery at the Center of the Solar System
A spacecraft has finally gotten close enough to the sun to gather clues about some lingering questions.
Nextgov
FDA Launches App to Report Fresh Uses for Existing Drugs
Health care providers can now easily access a one-stop online repository that experts hope will accelerate and innovate patient treatment.
Route Fifty
Early in the Season, Flu Widespread in 10 States
Public health officials said they hope to improve both information sharing and vaccine manufacturing to reduce the spread of flu in the near future.
Oversight
Key House Lawmaker Calls for Review of $400 Million Border Wall Contract
Federal officials had previously rejected Fisher Sand and Gravel's offerings, but President Trump is a fan of the company.
Management
Postal Regulators Lay Out New Proposal to Enable Larger USPS Rate Hikes
Mailers say the new system could create uncertainty and drive customers away from the Postal Service.
Nextgov
VA Extends Financial System Overhaul by 5 Years—And Adds More than a Billion to the Cost
The agency is in the middle of a major overhaul of its financial management system, as those efforts stall behind other modernization priorities.
Management
EPA, Union Reopen Negotiations After Agency Implements Unilateral Contract
Although the agency has promised to bargain “in good faith” with AFGE officials, the contract that evicted labor representatives from agency office space and gutted telework will remain in effect.
Route Fifty
The Healthiest—and Unhealthiest—States
Reduced smoking rates, not much violent crime and low reports of sexually transmitted diseases make Vermont the healthiest state in the country, according to rankings released this week.
Nextgov
House Passes Comprehensive Anti-Robocall Legislation
Still, experts say a dramatic reduction in the problematic calls likely won’t happen overnight.
Pay & Benefits
Last Chance for Open Season
Fear not, procrastinators: You still have time to make a change.
Pay & Benefits
Lawsuit Against Working During Shutdowns Presents a Potential Catch-22
A federal judge ruled it would be too disruptive to stop agencies from forcing employees to work without pay during a lapse in appropriations, but the Trump administration on Wednesday argued the case is now moot because government is open.
Nextgov
Amazon Web Services Chief Says Pentagon Got it Wrong with JEDI Award
The head of Amazon Web Services isn’t pulling punches at the company’s global summit in Las Vegas.
Nextgov
Customs Reverses Course on Mandatory Facial Scans for U.S. Citizens
After criticism from Congress and privacy advocates, the border security agency says it will pull back a proposed rule change.
Route Fifty
Many States Prosecute Pregnant Women for Drug Use. New Research Says That’s a Bad Idea.
As the opioid epidemic surges, states have been cracking down on pregnant addicted women.
Pay & Benefits